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Thursday, October 1, 2015

Parenting Pointers: Blackheads

Blackheads are a
common complaint that will drive them to visit their dermatologist. Most
people complaining about blackheads do not truly have blackheads. What
makes a blackhead a true blackhead? Could it be oversized pores? How
do you treat blackheads? Dr. Janet Prystowsky, board certified
Dermatologist in New York City with over 25 years-experience, recently shared some information about blackheads.

A
blackhead is an open comedone in medical terms. It is an enlarged pore
that is clogged with oil due to an acne or acne-like condition. In
acne, the cells that line your pores are “sticky” and hold on to oil.
As the pore fills up, the opening expands, allowing oxygen in the air to
come into contact with the trapped oil. This causes oxidation which
turns the oil black at the surface. To prevent blackheads, use topical
medications such as Retin-a, Tazarotene, or Differin to loosen the
“stickiness” and allow oil to flow out of your pores. Over the counter
retinol is also helpful.

Many
people get ‘blackheads’ even though they do not have acne. Instead,
their pores have widened over time, exposing a normal amount of oil to
oxygen. This is incredibly common. For these people, ‘blackheads’
usually appear on their nose. Regularly using glycolic or salicylic acid
pads can remove the oxidized oil and black color.

Dr. Janet Hill
Prystowsky is a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of
experience in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. She obtained a Ph.D
from Columbia University in Human Nutrition, an M.D. from the University
of Chicago, and completed her training in dermatology at the University
of Pennsylvania. In combination with her focus on early skin cancer
detection and removal, Dr. Prystowsky provides a wide range of
revitalizing and rejuvenating treatments at her New York City office.
She utilizes the latest technical advancements, including laser and
light source devices, to help her patients obtain healthy and beautiful
skin. In addition to her private practice, Dr. Prystowsky is a senior
attending physician at Mount Sinai Roosevelt/St. Luke’s Medical Center.
In 2008 she started her own skin care line as president of LIVAD Skin
Care, LLC.